Blood availability at critical levels
In order to become a blood donor you must: weigh at least 50kg, be between the ages of 16 to 65, lead a safe sexual lifestyle, be in general good health and consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is experiencing yet another difficult time with regards to blood collections.
Almost 40 per cent of the blood collected comes from schools and universities and due to the holidays, they were unable to host these blood drives. This together with many people who also took a break, the blood stock levels were impacted significantly. Currently, the blood stock at a national level is 1.5 days and in Gauteng Province it is 1.5 days.
“SANBS needs to maintain a stock level of five days at all times by collecting 3 000 units of blood per day to meet the demand of the thousands of patients who are reliant on blood transfusions for their survival,” says Vanessa Raju, National Communications Manager of SANBS.
The organisation is appealing to members of the public who meet the minimum blood donor requirements, especially blood donors who may have missed a blood donation, to help boost supplies by committing to donating blood.
In order to become a blood donor you must: weigh at least 50kg, be between the ages of 16 to 65, lead a safe sexual lifestyle, be in general good health and consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
If you wish to find out more on where to donate and more on becoming a donor, please do not hesitate to call 0800 11 90 31 or email: customerservice@sanbs.org.za or visit: www.sanbs.org.za
